Good morning, commuters!
Today could be the most challenging of all for drivers who work in downtown Minneapolis. Several additional streets closed over night ahead of tonight's All-Star Game at Target Field.
The biggest disruption will be for those who need to cross Nicollet Mall. The Red Carpet is out for the midday parade and cross traffic is not allowed to cross Nicollet west of 6th Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. That will put extra pressure on 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd Streets along with Washington Avenue. That could lead to some gridlock.
Later this morning, the eastbound I-394 ramp into downtown will be closed off for three hours when the Red Carpet parade takes place on Nicollet Mall. Traffic will be diverted to the 6th and 4th Street exits as well as Washington Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There also will be other intermittent closures.
Also look for closures on 7th Street in the area of Target Field, from roughly Marquette Avenue to 10th Street. No less than 10 Metro Transit routes will be on detour from 9 a.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Wednesday. they include routes that normally run on 6th Street between 1st Avenue N. and Hennepin. Here is where to catch routes 14, 94, 134, 355, 365, 375, 643, 649, 663, 758 and 764. Also onTuesday, buses that normally run on Nicollet Mall will be shifted to Hennepin Avenue. Buses that operate on 7th Street between Marquette Avenue and 10th Street North also will be on detour, Metro Transit said.
I'll be keeping an eye on the roads and rails this morning, reporting any delays or issues — and I will need your help.
If you see or hear about any congestion, delays or problems, e-mail drive@startribune or tweet @stribdrive.
